The proposal by the Federal Government to raise the national minimum wage to N62,000, amidst objections from state governors who argue they cannot afford even N60,000, highlights a critical flaw in the uniform minimum wage policy. This editorial advocates for a non-uniform minimum wage approach, taking into account each state's financial capacity and cost of living.

Federal Allocation and Internally Generated Revenues

Nigeria's states exhibit significant disparities in their financial capabilities. Reports indicate that Lagos State, with an internally generated revenue (IGR) of N651 billion, vastly outperforms many other states combined. Conversely, states like Bayelsa, Katsina, and Akwa Ibom struggle to generate even 10% of their revenue internally, relying heavily on federal allocations to survive. This stark contrast in fiscal health demonstrates the impracticality of a uniform minimum wage. Expecting financially weaker states to meet the same wage standards as wealthier ones is unrealistic and unsustainable.

Cost of Living Variations

The cost of living varies significantly across Nigeria. For instance, Kogi, with an inflation rate of 40.84%, stands as the most expensive state to live in, while states like Abia and Lagos also face high inflation rates. These differences necessitate a nuanced approach to setting minimum wages. A one-size-fits-all policy does not account for the economic realities and living costs that differ from one state to another. It is only logical that states with higher living costs and better revenue generation capacity should have the flexibility to set higher minimum wages, while less affluent states adjust to what is sustainable for them.

Financial Prudence and Development

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has rightly pointed out that adopting a uniform N60,000 minimum wage would force many states to allocate nearly all their federal allocations to salaries, leaving little for development. Some states might even need to borrow to meet payrolls, a scenario that is not only financially imprudent but also counterproductive to the broader goals of economic development and public service delivery. Financial prudence dictates that states should set minimum wages based on their revenue streams and economic conditions, ensuring they can also fund critical infrastructure and social services.

Socioeconomic Stability

Adopting a non-uniform minimum wage framework can foster greater socioeconomic stability. States would be able to manage their budgets more effectively, avoiding the pitfalls of debt accumulation and service delivery failures. Workers would benefit from wage structures that reflect the economic realities of their localities, ensuring fair compensation that aligns with living costs. This balance would help maintain labour peace and prevent the disruptions that arise from wage-related disputes and strikes.

Policy Recommendations

To implement a non-uniform wage policy effectively, the following steps should be considered:

1. Revenue Assessment: Each state should conduct a thorough assessment of its financial health, including federal allocations and IGR, to determine a feasible minimum wage.

2. Cost of Living Analysis: Regular surveys should be conducted to monitor the cost of living in each state, ensuring wage adjustments reflect economic conditions.

3. Legislative Framework: Amendments to the current wage legislation should allow for regional variations, empowering states to set minimum wages that align with their fiscal capabilities.

4. Stakeholder Engagement: Continuous dialogue between the federal government, state governments, labour unions, and the private sector is essential to achieve consensus and ensure the smooth implementation of regional wage policies.

Conclusion

A uniform minimum wage policy is neither practical nor sustainable for a diverse country like Nigeria. A flexible approach, where wages are set based on a state's financial capacity and cost of living, is more equitable and sensible. It ensures that all workers are paid fair wages while allowing states the flexibility to manage their resources effectively, fostering economic stability and growth across the federation.